Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul has announced that repairs to the subway tunnel connection, which has caused significant road subsidence, are expected to take at least a year. He has already ordered immediate action to address the issue and is working to swiftly identify the cause. Anutin plans to present this matter as an urgent issue at the Cabinet meeting tonight.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior discussed the road subsidence on Samsen Road, located in front of Vajira Hospital, with officials. Anutin stated that he has given directives and is awaiting consultation with the MRTA governor. He emphasized the urgency of the situation at the inaugural Cabinet meeting and reiterated the need to determine liability, while noting there were no reported injuries or fatalities.
Anutin has instructed a thorough inspection of the affected area to quickly ascertain the cause of the road collapse. He further mentioned that he would address some matters during his oath of office before the King.
During a briefing with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Anutin requested Pipat's input on the situation. Pipat deferred to Anutin, citing his engineering expertise. Anutin underlined the need to expedite restoration and repair efforts, acknowledging the significant time required for repairing the tunnel connection structure.
Before leaving the site, Anutin and Mr. Pipat observed the Samsen Police Station building, expressing concerns about its structural integrity due to its shallow foundation. Relevant officials have been instructed to inspect both the station and the police flats behind it.